Sadly, we recently lost both elderly parents. I gave up my career 4 years ago to relocate to Florida and become their 24/7 live-in caregiver. I bore the cost of moving expenses, car transport, and 4-years of storage unit rental fees. I lost my healthcare insurance and put 45K miles on my own car taking them to medical appointments. Their need for round-the-clock care made it impossible for me to work outside the home. I received NO COMPENSATION for 24/7 services with no days off. Mom said they didn’t have the resources to pay me. I didn’t mind as it was my honor to help. My three siblings live out of state, visited rarely (or not at all), and did nothing to help. I bear no resentment toward them; we are not a close family but do remain cordial.
I'm now the estate Executor/Trustee and was shocked to discover the actual worth of the estate. My parents could easily have paid for caregiver services, afforded a long-term stay in a nursing home, or hired someone to come in to give me a break periodically. Yet they stated they had no resources to do so.
The estate is to be divided equally between four siblings – each of whom benefits significantly because I did not receive Caregiver compensation or reimbursements for out-of-pocket costs. The final payout to beneficiaries has not yet occurred.
In the state of Florida, can I legally (1) Bill the estate for Caregiver Services rendered? (2) Recoup fees for four years of storage unit rental fees, (3) Collect compensation for Executor Fees? How and where do I find the resources to determine the value of services rendered? The estate attorney represents me as the Trustee but not an individual beneficiary. Do I need outside counsel as a beneficiary?
To get reimbursed as a Caregiver you should have had it in writing. The storage fees you maybe able to get reimbursed for. I agree with Alva, consult with a lawyer. You may need him/her anyway to help you thru probate.
I guess one thing new caregivers should do is check out the parents finances before agreeing to give up everything. Be glad it was only 4 years. I know, it was h _ _ l and you were lied to but some have put even more years in than that. Time to get the estate in order. Then go on with ur life.
In retrospect, I should have met with Mom and her attorney to draw up a Personal Care Agreement (sometimes called a family care contract) that spells out the duties that will be performed and the compensation to be paid.
My loss may help someone else. Check out this article: https://caregiver.com/articles/right-to-compensation/